Kazbek is an extinct volcanic dome, located in relative isolation at the eastern end of the Central Caucasus. It rises near the Russian border in northern Georgia, where Georgians call it Mkinvari, or Ice Mountain. It is indeed an icy mountain, flanked on all sides by large glaciers. Its steep snow and ice slopes and constantly changing weather make this mountain a more difficult climb than one would assume by the huge numbers of visitors it receives. Its popularity is due largely to its accessibility, as it is approached from a good road just off the Georgian Highway.